The main idea given in this passage is that inventions ……………

Many of the most important inventors in history died without ever being acknowledged for their inventions. Someone later on who achieved commercial success with the idea was given credit for it. People are taught, for example, that Robert Fulton invented the steamboat, when the truth is that it was invented by John Fitch, who spent years making a steamboat, only to see it destroyed in an accident on its first voyage. He died penniless, while Fulton, who, launched the first successful steamboat, was honoured all around the world.